Science Experiment

Some of you may or may not know that I’m home schooling Logan for preschool. It’s just too incredibly expensive here in California. To put it into perspective, it would cost us significantly more to have Logan in preschool here in CA for 3 days a week than it did to have both Sara and Logan in preschool in VA! (a total of 6 days a week) We purchased the A Beka curriculum and have been using it for about a week. Logan LOVES his “school” work. So much so that I have to tell him that’s enough for today. We even got him a “bell” like at Sara’s school. He totally got a kick out of that.

So this was his “Science” lesson. Just kidding, but it was a teaching moment! My husband Jason is fixing up his 1969 Roadrunner so that’s why there are lots of car pieces in our garage. Luckily for me he cleans them up when he leaves so I can park my truck back in the garage.

So let the instruction begin...

Notice the very large block and tackle hooked to the rafters...

He's pulling and pulling and pulling...

Look at the excitement in his face. He was thrilled that he got his tricycle that far up in the air...

In this picture he's like, now what am I supposed to do with it. Daddy made sure that he didn't get rope burn. Gotta love the guy.

Now here's a lesson for ya...

And we didn't show him this or nothin'. He just waltzed around there and started driving. Diaper and all.

Now isn't that a face only a mother could love! And boy howdy, do I!

And back to the block and tackle. I think it was actually heavier than Logan's tricycle...

sewing project...

So I got my "newer" sewing machine several weeks ago and am LOVING it! (Thanks Des)! And recently I got the latest issue of Quilts and More. It has so many darling projects in it that I've already completetd one (pictures below) and have ordered the fabric for a different project.

This is the crayon roll that I made for Sara. I made it from leftovers from the quilt that I'm making her. Oh how I love this line of fabric.



She loves it and uses it everyday. It was my indoctrination to hand sewing the binding onto a quilt. And I'm NOT liking it very much. First of all, I dispise hand sewing and second of all, a quilt is a big thing. But for creative sake, I'll have to suck it up and do it. Enough of that before I have to go hide in the closet and change my mind. :)

GIVEAWAY!!! - We have a winner!

Okay, so I know I'm a little obsessive, but I wanted to be completely random. So I asked the Random Integer Generator to pick a number between 1 and 2. Isn't that funny. And well it told me...

#1

Congratulations to Bella! Email me your address at marearick@hotmail.com and I'll get it in the mail to you! Thanks girls! Have a wonderful night!



Thought that might get your attention...

I’ve been thinking about a quote by Anias Nin that I’ve seen on 2 different blogs lately.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection”

So I want to give away a copy of Heidi Swapp’s book “Love You Handwriting”. Some of you may or not may not scrapbook, but hey, it’s FREE! So enter anyways. :)

If you scrapbook or otherwise have your hand writing out there for the entire world to see and if you don’t already feel confident, this should help. I have this book, I haven’t read it yet. So I can’t give you a personal testimony, but I do believe in getting your writing out there. There are people in my life that if I see a piece of mail or something from them, I know exactly who it’s from. There’s something comforting in that. . And I treasure the handwritten letters from my grandma. (Hi Nan!).

I know blah, blah, blah. So any who. I want to give away this lovely book. Just leave a comment and tell me whose handwriting you know just by site, besides your spouse or significant other. Actually, just post SOMETHING and you’re in. You have until Wednesday 8pm Pacific time. See, we’re in California now!

much ado or is it much to do???

Regardless, I have much to do. Definitely been a bad blogger. But you guys love me just because I'm me and not because of my blogging skills I'm sure. Any who. Been reading about The Nielson Family. A very heart wretching story. I won't go into too many details, but it's a man and woman that were in a small plane crash. She has a blog that people would frequent and that's how the word got out. They are in a burn treatment facility in Arizona. They also have 4 children that are staying with family. Click on the link and you can find our more about them or even donate to their recovery.



It continually amazes me that the Internet is such a powerful tool/format/monster. You have people around the world pulling for this family that they have never met. Maybe it's not the Internet that amazes me as much as it is the kindness of total strangers. It gives me hope that in this crazy mixed up world of ours that there are many, many, many people with kind hearts that are not only pulling/praying for you, but also going one step further and actually doing something tangible to help. So awesome.



So I'm going to make a little request. I want to ask anyone and everyone that reads this blog (I know all 2 of you) to just tell someone about their plight. Donate if you can. But at the very least tell someone about them. And pray for them if you are so inclined. Ah, the miracle of prayer.



Okay, off my soapbox. And on to some photos. So what are you in the mood for? Humor, transformation, transvestite??? Well, we have them all!!! First up on our photo parade is a combination of humor and transvestite-ness. I know that's not a word, but you get the drift.




Ah, my little imp. He DEFINITELY marches to the beat of his own drum. And might I add very loudly too! I truly hope he doesn't have issues later in life. He wants to do everything his sister does. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


And now the sweet transformation photos. My baby got his first haircut about a month ago. It's not like I was super attached to his locks, but we were really just waiting until the front of his hair needed a haircut too.

The "Before" photo. Awwww, my sweet baby.

And a series of "the work in progress"...


Okay, I have to tell you that this picture cracks me up. His little feet sticking out from the cape look like strange arms to me. Yes, I know I have issues.

I get this face alot...

And the "After" photos...HELLO!!!! Where did my baby go? Who ran out the door with him? Oh, there he is...

Are you sure? I'm not totally convinced... Sara told me yesterday that she likes his long hair better. Me too girl.

A very long winded post, but sometimes I just have a lot to say. Okay, I usually have a lot to say. But only if I know you because I'm kinda shy. I know shocking. Any who. Have a superb weekend. Peace out people.

soccer...

Sara's first soccer game was today. Mind you, this was the first time she has EVER played soccer. Period. She was so excited. And she did great during the game. She got in there with the rest of the girls and was trying her best. But not so great after the game. They tied, so no one won or lost, but she was upset that she didn't get to score a goal. Uh, can you say overachiever? There are no goalies at this stage. She's got 4 other little girls on her team. It's really good for them. The parents are there cheering the girls on. So cool.







And just to let you know...these girls mean business...

I guess now I'm officially a soccer mom. Um, I don't know how I feel about that yet...

just checking in...

Know that if I haven't posted in a while, I'm swamped! But I'm sure you've figured that out by now. :) Sara started school on Monday, so we've been gearing up for that. Jason was home and Ted and Judy are here. We've been busy. But I still can't figure out with what. Ever have one of those days? When you KNOW that you didn't sit all day, but when you look back you can't remember why you were so busy? Well, I've had a couple of weeks like that! The kids and I are back to our routine and I should be able to post more this week. Take care ya'll!

Hi Marilyn.

feeling a little bit...

...sick. Whatever little ick that Austin managed to contract I now have. It's all good. Jason will be home again on Thursday. Can you tell I'm counting down the days?? He was home this weekend but had to leave again on Sunday. It is what it is I guess. :)

BUT in other big news. I'm supposed to get my "new" used sewing machine today! After the aforementioned table incident, I really wanted a new one. I got it on Ebay for a good price and have been waiting patiently for it to arrive! I'll keep ya'll posted on all the wonderful new things I'll be able to create with it! I can't wait. If I felt better I would head on over to the sewing center and pickup a 1/4" foot for it, but I'm not. It can wait.

Oh, and here's August's desktop calendar. I know I'm a slacker, but I have been BUSY! :) Enjoy and have a great day!

A to Z

Well, here are the latest and final additions to my Alphabet Pals. This is Theodore...

and these little guys are Ulysses, Victor, and Walter...

and finally Xavier, Yogi, and Zack.

And here is the gang all together.

Yeah, I did end up doing more frogs, but I enlarged the pattern 150% and that made things a whole lot easier. I also made them out of fleece and now they are all nice and snuggly. I just want to pet them all day. But I won’t. Mainly because I have a lot of other things I need to do. But I admit it, I’m a fabric petter.

So, I’m officially done with all my friends for the Alphabet Friends Adventure. I really enjoyed making these little guys and it’s always nice to “be a good human” (as Des would say) and do things for others (My Stuff Bags). It also gave me a chance to use up fabric from my stash. The only thing I bought for the project was stuffing. So that was a bonus.

With the little guys being wrapped up, I think I may take a break from sewing and work on some scrapbook pages. I’ll be sure to share the fruits of my labor…if I make it that far. Here’s to wishing you all a great day.

Shamus

I've always loved that name. I don't know why, but I do. A good ole Irish name I suppose. I know I said I was probably going to make more fish for the Alphabet Pal Adventure and I might, but this little giraffe is my new favorite. As soon as I get a few things straightened out. Like, maybe ribbon for the mane instead of ric rac and maybe a bit better at the little gusset under his belly. That part was a little tricky. Oh, and the ears. I don't think they're supposed to be standing striaght up are they? Anyone, anyone???

I love this baby!

O.K. so he's not exactly a baby anymore, but he's my baby. And I think he is just so unbelievably adorable. I just look at him and wish he could stay this small forever. I don't know if you read Pioneer Women's Blog, but with her recent posts, she's making me realize that my baby isn't going to be small forever. And that makes me sad sometimes. I would love to have another baby, just not ANYTIME in the distant future. But Jason and I (reluctantly) agreed that Austin would be the last one.

I know I need to savor every moment that they are small because they grow up so fast, but sometimes it's hard when there are 3 little crazy people running around and life trying to throw you curve balls every chance it gets. So really this post is a reminder to us all to slow down and enjoy the small people in our life because they won't be small for long.

because we all need a little bit of humor...

We are in the long drawn out process of potty training Logan. So recently he was on the potty and said to me...

"I present to you...Poop!"

You KNOW I couldn't keep a straight face with that one!

my school of fish...

I guess the official count for my Alphabet Pals is 18. Only 8 left to do. And they'll probably be fish too! I just love making them. For one, they are very easy and two they are really cute. So with this school, I present Ian, Jack, Kaleb, Luke, Max, Nathan, Oliver, Paul, Quincy, and Russ.

For those of you that like to wonder...I found the pattern here and had gotten the fabric at Quilt Taffy a while back. Those girls are so awesome by the way :) You should check out Des's little critters, she's been sewing and crocheting up a storm. I'm going to have to check and see how the other girls are doing. I bet they have some cute ones. Have a great weekend everyone!

so...

I woke up this morning to find out that our house had been toilet paperd or tp'd for short. Now I could understand if I had high schoolers in the house, but I do not. So needless to say, I'm NOT happy about it. And this is all after we had someone ring the door bell and run away at 2 in the morning on the 4th of July. All I have to say is parents control your kids. I'm all for a little bit of fun, but this is getting a little out of hand. We haven't even been here a month yet.

Anywho...here's another little Alpha Pal for you to meet. His name is Hayden. He's little too. I think he would be cuter and easier if he was a little bigger. I've paused on the Alpha Pals for a few days and have been trying to piece together a quilt. Let's just say it ain't going so well. Mostly because I have very little time to do things other than change diapers and fill sippy cups. But one day.....

And just to share a little. I found Sara sleeping in her bed next to her doll that she had swaddled. Sucking her thumb of course.

more alphabet pals...

These little frogs were hard to do. Not because of the difficulty but because turning and stuffing the little buggers was tough. The one that has eyes is Dylan, and the others are Eli, Frank, and George. I have to say that they are so cute because they are small, but because they are small, I am probably not going to make anymore. Sara is the stuffer and she abandoned her post on these guys.

But in other, related news, I tried to do some free motion quilting yesterday. Let's just say I'll definately be paying someone else to do this for me...

I know it takes practice. And I'm thoughly convinced a new sewing machine. (That's a hint for my birthday Jason, just in case you missed it. :) And I'm also pleading for a new sewing machine because you see, mine took a dive off the table one day. Jason was playing with the kids throwing pillows and he launched one towards the table and it hit my machine and down it went. Oh, it still works, but there are alot of bent parts and a few missing parts. And I've had it for about 8 years now. I think it's time to upgrade.

And on to other completely unrelated news...

These kids are so darn cute, but so very ornery. You have NO idea... :)

Meet...

Alex, Brad, and Charlie (they're dinosaur triplets). OK, so you may have noticed the blue giraffe over there to the right. It's a little challenge that I'm doing with one of my new friends over at Quilt Taffy. With the move and everything, I hadn't gotten a chance to work on them until now.

I'm going to donate them to the My Stuff Bags Foundation. They donate duffel bags full of toys, blankets, toiletries, etc to facilities that get in children that had to be removed from their homes without notice. Their homes being places that are not appropriate for children if you know what I mean. They children are unable to bring any of their own stuff, so these bags give them something to call their own in the midst of all the confusion. If you are so inclined you can donate to them as well. It can be monetary, time, or new goods. They ship their bags all over the country and could use some money for shipping.

So if you are still with me here, I have a funny story for you. The other day while I was cleaning out our little fish tank, my darling son Logan (3 yo) went into the bathroom and proceeded to empty the toilet paper roll. He shoved some down the toilet, which is to be expected, but he also wet and wadded up into balls the rest of it and flung it onto the walls and mirror. Let me tell you I WAS NOT happy. But looking back, it was funny. But now, I'm really wondering where in the world did he come up with this? Do you think it could be when Jason showed him how to make spit balls? Yeah, that's what I thought too. Way to go Dad!

Have a happy day all!

Redemption

So now that I’ve totally scared you for life with that last post, I’m here to redeem myself. I promise to only show pictures of good things. And I’ll also preface this post by saying that the only thing that I picked out was the bathroom paint color. Judy picked out everything else. She’s really got a knack for that kind of stuff. After I saw the below mess, I called her in tears. I was that distraught. I told her I didn’t care what she picked out, just tell me what to buy and I’ll do it. And that’s just what we did.

This is the window treatment that Judy made fo me. I just love it, especially the green zebra fabric. The walls used to be a dark beige color, but we wanted to add a little fun to the house and I think the green paint does it. And plus I love lots of color! Oh and yeah, I know, nice view of a concrete wall. :)

This is the living room. The walls in here used to be a light beige color and now they are chocolate brown. One of my favorite colors at the moment. The back of the cubbies are a gold color. The same as the hallways and entryway.

There's the gold color. Excuse the ladder and the vacuum. They have both been getting a workout lately.
And now for my favorite room so far. The kids/guest bathroom. This blue/aqua just makes me so happy. And more brown. Judy painted the giraffe spots on the ceiling to go with the jungle shower curtain and accessories. I think it turned out super duper cute. And the kids love it too!

They vanity used to be just plain white, but a layer of brown paint and now they really look so much better. I ordered some drawer pulls in the shape of a giraffe, a elephant, and a rhino.

I painted the kitchen and the rest I only slightly helped because I was trying to keep the kids occupied and not in the way. And for a 21 month old, a 3 year old, and a 5 year old, that’s sayin’ somethin’. Judy enlisted the help of a couple of her friends (THANK YOU April and Sandy!) It’s turning out so beautiful that I can’t wait to get it all done. But it’s going to slow to a snail’s pace now that Judy and Ted are gone. The only time I can paint is when Austin is asleep and by that time of night, I’m pooped. But a little caffeine never hurt no one. Right?

But seriously, I have to send a very large thank you out to everyone that has helped in some form or fashion with this move. Judy and Ted for innumerable things, my Mom for driving from Arkansas to Arizona with me and the kids and getting me a new tire (Do you know how scary it can be almost getting hit by a semi while pulled over on the interstate with a flat tire waiting for AAA? Let me tell you, that just RUINED my day.) and getting my truck detailed among other things, and all my friends for just being there and listening to me constantly ramble about the house and stuff. I really appreciate all you guys have done for me. I am definitely indebted to you. Thanks for the love.

I’ll post more pictures as we get stuff done, but the goal is to have this whole experience buried DEEP within my psyche by layers of paint and disinfectant.